Recent rainfall in the Texas Panhandle took more of the region out of the worst drought stage and heavy storms the past couple of days will further improve conditions.
The U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday shows about 3.8 percent of the state in exceptional drought, down from 4.51 percent. The map reflects precipitation as of Tuesday and the Panhandle and other parts of Texas have since received heavy downfalls. For instance, the town of Valley View, about 50 miles northwest of Dallas, has received almost 11 inches of rain.
Wichita Falls, with lakes at record lows and which recently began using a wastewater reuse project, got 2.3 inches from the same system that hit the Panhandle.
Despite the rainfall, 63 percent of the state remains in some drought category.
Drought Map Shows Improvement as Rain Hits Texas
Copyright AP - Associated Press
